The Composition Academy, offered in partnership and with the crucial support of the ONJ (National Jazz Orchestra), stems from a desire to build a framework conducive to the exchange of knowledge and know-how in the field of writing in jazz and improvised music.
This academy takes the form of an intensive one-week workshop during which masterclasses, group discussions, and individual lessons alternate to support eight composers in writing an original piece. This piece is performed at the end of the workshop by musicians from the ONJ Youth Orchestra (OJ-ONJ).
General composition training is underrepresented in most music education programs for jazz. National conservatories and a few regional conservatories offer “specialized” composition programs, primarily focused on classical and contemporary music. To date, very few equivalents exist in the field of jazz and improvised music, even though these genres boast a rich, century-long history that has produced their own distinct languages and techniques, which are essential to pass on.
Young composers are eager for access to this knowledge, which could nourish their personal intuitions and aspirations. They seek a structured framework in which to share their experience, discoveries, reflections, and the principles underpinning their creations.
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The Composition Academy: A success story serving composers since 2022.
Since its creation in 2022, the Composition Academy has established itself as a unique framework in France for supporting composers in their artistic and professional development. Each edition, designed to meet the specific needs of professional musicians or those on the path to becoming professional, emphasizes intensive and immersive learning. The results achieved demonstrate the success of the objectives set, both pedagogically and artistically.
A springboard for composers.
The Composition Academy enabled 24 composers from diverse backgrounds to develop their skills in writing music for large ensembles or combos. Each participant wrote and conducted an original work, performed by the ONJ Youth Orchestra in public recitals. This rare and valuable professional experience not only enhanced their work but also strengthened their ability to create pieces suited to the realities of ensemble performance.
Diversity and equal opportunities.
Since 2022, the Academy has attracted composers from more than 10 nationalities, offering a wealth of cultural and musical perspectives. The ongoing efforts to promote diversity are reflected in the increasing number of female applicants, which rose from 18% in 2022 to 25% in 2024. This progress underscores the Academy's commitment to inclusivity in a field historically dominated by men.
A tailored teaching approach and concrete results.
Participants benefited from the guidance of renowned tutors, such as Frédéric Maurin and Stéphane Payen, and attended masterclasses led by internationally acclaimed artists like Ingrid Laubrock and Sigrid Aftret. These intensive workshops explored technical aspects, such as orchestration, as well as artistic dimensions like musical expression and innovation.
The enthusiastic feedback from participants testifies to the direct impact of these exchanges on their work.
“The conducting advice and interactions with the musicians of the ONJ were incredibly enriching.” — 2023 Participant
A platform for exchange and networking.
The Academy is not limited to teaching; it also provides a space for composers and musicians to build connections. These connections have often led to post-training collaborations, thus strengthening the musical community and extending the Academy's impact beyond the session.
Sustainable prospects.
In three years, the Composition Academy has demonstrated its essential role in transmitting expertise and supporting contemporary creation. It has not only enabled composers to hone their skills, but has also strengthened the vitality of the jazz and contemporary music scene in France and Europe.
The Composition Academy: A vector of excellence and influence.
With a tailored teaching method, a collaborative environment, and tangible results, the Composition Academy continues to deliver on its promises by helping composers achieve their artistic and professional goals. In 2025, the Academy is ready to write a new chapter in its history, with the same ambition: to reveal talent, stimulate creativity, and transform ideas into music.
